Prosthesis for atraumatically grasping intralumenal tissue and methods of delivery

Abstract

A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the frame can have a larger cross-sectional dimension in a middle portion of the frame and a smaller cross-sectional dimension in a proximal portion and a distal portion of the frame, wherein the middle portion is between the proximal and distal portions. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends, the entire anchor may loop out from the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. Nos. 61 / 782,707, filed Mar. 14, 2013. The entire contents of the above application(s) is / are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this specification. Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to prostheses for implantation within a lumen or body cavity. In particular, certain embodiments relate to expandable prostheses such as replacement heart valves, such as for the mitral valve, that are configured to atraumatically grasp intralumenal tissue.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Human heart valves, which include the aortic, pulmonary, mitral and tricuspid valves, function essentially as one-way valves operating in syn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a prosthesis that can be inserted into body cavities and grasp tissue without causing damage. The prosthesis has an expandable frame with two sets of anchors: proximal and distal. The proximal anchors are positioned outward from the frame and the distal anchors are positioned inward from the frame. The ends of the anchors have a loop-like structure. The frame is designed to expand and bring the anchors closer together, which helps the prosthesis form a secure grasp on the tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Diseased heart valves exhibit impairments such as narrowing of the valve or regurgitation, which inhibit the valves' ability to control blood flow.

Such impairments reduce the heart's blood-pumping efficiency and can be a debilitating and life threatening condition.

For example, valve insufficiency can lead to conditions such as heart hypertrophy and dilation of the ventricle.

Development of prostheses including but not limited to replacement heart valves that can be compacted for delivery and then controllably expanded for controlled placement has proven to be particularly challenging.

An additional challenge relates to the ability of such prostheses to be secured relative to intralumenal tissue, e.g., tissue within any body lumen or cavity, in an atraumatic manner.

Further challenges arise when trying to controllably deliver and secure such prostheses in a location such as at a native mitral valve.

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